Spring 2020 EarthTalks series presents science toward solutions
| psu.edu
The spring 2020 EarthTalks series, "Societal Problems, EESI Science towards Solutions," features scientists from Penn State’s Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and explores the human impacts on the global environment and how to apply this knowledge to decision-making.
Seven engineering faculty members receive ROCKET Seed Grant to fund new research
| psu.edu
Seven Penn State College of Engineering faculty members were awarded the College of Engineering’s 2020 Research Opportunities for mid-Career Knowledge EnhancemenT (ROCKET) Seed Grant to fund exploration of new or existing research areas.
Penn State scientist shares knowledge of soil science during visit to Ukraine
| psu.edu
Ukraine is called the “breadbasket of Europe,” a moniker earned because of the fertile, black soils that blanket its landscape. As a longtime professor of environmental soil science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Rick Stehouwer has studied this famed “chernozem” soil, knowledge he acquired through books, lectures and lab samples.
Field camp a rite of passage for undergraduate geosciences majors
| psu.edu
This past summer, 36 Penn State geosciences students made the trek out West to investigate the geology of the intermontane western United States. The capstone experience for undergraduate geosciences majors, field camp is an intensive outdoor course that applies classroom and laboratory training to solving geological problems in the field.
Thunderquakes make underground fiber optic telecommunications cables hum (audio available)
| news.agu.org
Telecommunications lines designed for carrying internet and phone service can pick up the rumble of thunder underground, potentially providing scientists with a new way of detecting environmental hazards and imaging deep inside the Earth.
Fiber-optic cables capture thunderquake rumbles
| psu.edu
Underground fiber-optic cables, like those that connect the world through phone and internet service, hold untapped potential for monitoring severe weather, according to scientists.
Impact of animal infectious disease to be focus of conference at Penn State
| psu.edu
Exploring the emergence, spread and control of animal diseases is the focus of the inaugural Emerging Animal Infectious Disease Conference, scheduled for March 23-25, 2020, at the Wyndham Garden Inn, Boalsburg. The event will be co-hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State’s Center for Security Research and Education.
A little humour may help with climate change gloom
| theconversation.com
Studies show that humour is useful for engaging the public about climate change
The Secrets of Skeleton Lake
| psu.edu
With the help of Penn State’s Radiocarbon Laboratory, international researchers uncovered surprising secrets of a Himalayan lake.
Researchers confirm timeline of human presence on Madagascar
| news.psu.edu
Kristina Douglass and her research team systematically reviewed all of the archaeological radiocarbon dates for Madagascar and confirmed the timeline of human presence on the island.
Recycling rates could rise significantly with this simple tweak
| theconversation.com
Consumers are much more likely to recycle their waste after viewing messages showing the products it might turn into.
The new geographers: Six faculty hires are driving the future of the field
| psu.edu
Six new tenure-line geography faculty started this fall in the Department of Geography. They conduct research on a wide variety of subjects including water, climate change, natural hazards, remote sensing, social networks, data mining, economics, and inequality and diversity.
Once a frozen haven, climate-driven rising temperatures are rapidly thawing the Arctic permafrost, posing a major threat to communities and infrastructure. Researchers are investigating how these changes will transform rivers, with potential consequences for erosion, sediment transport, and the entire Arctic landscape. Additionally, their project incorporates art to communicate these critical findings in an engaging way. Listen to the podcast.
Join Our Mailing List
IEE publishes a weekly email newsletter and event guide during most of the year containing featured news stories, events, and other announcements.